This was the first time Sucrose had received such treatment. Although she felt a little nervous inside, she quickly entered a working state.
"Since we want to reproduce Telephone Snails, we naturally have to first understand their habits, as well as how to stimulate their reproduction."
"According to biological research, if we want a species to reproduce quickly, we must satisfy its growth requirements and allow it to reach maturity before it reproduces on its own. But our task is to accelerate this process, so naturally we must start by solving the food issue."
"Therefore, selecting food that Telephone Snails like and that allows them to grow quickly is the top priority."
The arrival of a professional truly made a difference. As soon as Sucrose spoke, her expertise was evident. And this was only the first step. The subsequent cultivation would be the real challenge.
However, before coming here, Sucrose had already devised a plan. While arranging for people to take care of the Telephone Snails, she simultaneously conducted research on their bodily tissues. Note that this was not killing the Telephone Snails, but studying their cellular structure.
Through meticulous research, Sucrose quickly arrived at a conclusion.
"Although Telephone Snails are strange, their essence is still that of snails. They simply can understand human language and sense human emotions."
"In that case, things will be much easier. We can try Reagent Number 678."
This was a reagent she had obtained during a previous experiment by chance. Its effect was to increase the activity of soft-bodied organisms while enhancing their physique. At the time, however, this reagent had been completely useless to Sucrose.
It had even caused biological disorder in Mondstadt's rivers, which led her to discard it outright.
Now it was just right to try using this substance.
Outside the laboratory.
Watching the busy Sucrose, Ningguang commented, "This young lady is very professional. It seems entrusting the laboratory to her was the right decision. If she can train a group of people, it will be a huge gain."
"It's more than just the right decision. Sucrose is an alchemist focused on biological research. I was just thinking that those experiments of hers that seem useless can actually be guided. For example, optimizing fruit trees, improving vegetables and fruits. If an alchemist researches aimlessly, they cannot experience their own value. But if someone gives guidance, it becomes completely different."
Su Han's words greatly surprised Ningguang, and she asked, "Sucrose actually has such abilities?"
"Of course. It's just that the people of Mondstadt don't know how to develop her value."
Most of Sucrose's reagents and experiments were useless, but that was because she lacked a correct research direction. If Su Han were the one constantly assigning tasks, the Mora spent would be returned a hundredfold in effect.
Ningguang had not expected Su Han's calculations to run even deeper, and she immediately smiled. "I almost forgot that you are also a merchant. Why don't I hand over the management of this laboratory to you? I'll be responsible for funding and personnel allocation, and you can guide them."
"No problem."
After handling matters here, Su Han and Ningguang returned to Liyue Harbor. Research could not be completed in a single day, and continuing to stay in Guili New City would instead be a waste of time.
The next two days.
Su Han barely rested at all. Aside from setting aside two fixed hours every afternoon to spar with Beidou, he spent the rest of his time guiding Kaedehara Kazuha's cultivation. With the combined double-team of him and Shenhe, this Inazuman ronin's martial prowess advanced rapidly. During this period, he not only mastered the Golden Light Mantra with proficiency, but his lightning arts finally entered the beginner stage.
After finishing a day of training, Kaedehara Kazuha lay on the ground, panting heavily. He had thought that after becoming stronger, he would be able to exchange moves with his boss, but in reality he was still completely crushed.
"Take a rest. I just heard from Beidou that she will be returning to Inazuma tomorrow. I plan to send you there to handle some matters. We'll discuss the specifics through the Telephone Snail later. You don't need to worry about funding. Here are twenty million Mora. You can decide how to use it when the time comes."
"Yes, Boss."
After resting, Kaedehara Kazuha picked up the savings card beside him and replied with utmost respect.
After resting for a while, the three returned to Liyue Harbor. However, the moment Su Han stepped inside, he discovered that Xiao, who was stationed at the Chasm, had appeared in his courtyard.
"Xiao, why are you here?"
"There have been some issues at the Chasm. I think you would definitely be interested. If you have time, come with me."
"Can Shenhe come along?"
Xiao looked at the woman beside Su Han and nodded. "No problem."
He grabbed the shoulders of the two, and in an instant they vanished from their original spot. The three sped through the sky. Their speed was more than twice that of Cloud Retainer, and it took less than ten minutes to reach the Chasm.
Upon entering, Su Han was surprised to find that the place was not as dark as he had imagined. On the contrary, with the power of the dragon veins present, the entire space seemed to possess an extra sun.
"Just as you previously guessed, several days of purification have already brought about obvious changes here. The abyssal power seeping from the ground has completely disappeared, and even the abyssal poisonous miasma has been thoroughly purified."
"Then what strange matter are you referring to?"
"I encountered some beings with considerable intelligence. When I first met them, I thought they were monsters. But these strange beings actually possessed remarkable intelligence, so I did not eliminate them."
Listening to Xiao's description, Su Han felt as if he were describing the Black Serpent Knights, but upon looking, he was not entirely certain.
However, when he had played through the story back then, were not the Black Serpent Knights afraid of being purified? Why would they now crave purification by the dragon veins? It was truly puzzling.
Under Xiao's guidance, Su Han and Shenhe soon arrived before a hidden cave. Looking at the armored monsters sitting together inside, a trace of understanding flashed through Su Han's eyes. As expected, it was Halfdan and the others.
Xiao said to Su Han, "These fellows are not very aggressive, but they seem unwilling to be discovered. I have observed them for a long time. There are three among them who can communicate through language. Previously there was only one. They seem to have recovered their sanity under the influence of the dragon veins."
"Yes, that should be the case. But let me go ask them first. Shenhe, you and Xiao wait here. I'll be right back."
"Be careful."
"No problem."
Su Han smiled slightly and walked toward the cave without any attempt to conceal himself. The sound of his footsteps quickly drew the attention of the Black Serpent Knights. Just as they were about to make a move, the leading Black Serpent Knight stepped forward to block them.
He spoke in a hoarse voice, "Do not act. He is not an enemy."
"Oh? How do you know I'm not an enemy?"
Su Han was amused by his words. Could it be that the other party possessed some form of perception?
Halfdan replied, "There is no malice or killing intent emanating from you. This much I can still sense. May I ask why you have come? If our staying here has disturbed you, we can move elsewhere. But please do not drive us away. Only by staying near the light can our chaotic minds regain clarity."
"Oh, so you came here because you sensed the power of the dragon veins?"
"So the treasure emitting light is called a dragon vein."
Halfdan looked up at the object in the sky, learning its name for the first time. His eyes gradually grew moist, and only then did he slowly speak.
"Yes. Not long ago, we were still wandering in the lower levels, muddle-headed day after day. It was only after sensing a pure power that we gradually regained our sanity. At first, it was only me. Later, it slowly grew to three people. We beg you to let us stay near this treasure. Otherwise, we will once again turn into monsters without reason."
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